Yoga Life - Yoga - Studio Deerwood

Sara Torbett, OTRL/CHT, E-RYT 200 Owner of Yoga Life Studio

"It is my passion to help others achieve optimal health through the healing and energizing practice of yoga."

Sara is the owner and founder of Yoga Life Studio. She founded Yoga Life Studio in 2004 out of her deep desire to help others achieve balance and wellness through the ancient science of yoga.

Sara is a 200 hour certified Yoga instructor in Power Vinyasa and Mind Body Yoga. Sara also completed a 40 hour Ashtanga Teacher Training with Dave Swenson. She recently ended her 10 year professional career as an Occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist to pursue her yogic studies and develop her yoga studio. Her diverse background as an OT, professional ballroom instructor, and gymnast have helped her develop a holistic, well rounded approach to Yoga. Sara has trained with many Yoga masters including: Dave Swenson, Doug Swenson, Shiva Rea, Ana Forrest, Natasha Rizopoulos, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Manju Jois and Tim Feldmann. Sara's Yoga style is spiritual, powerful and very healing to the mind and body as she incorporates healing sounds through music and chanting, aromatherapy and gentle touch to create a soothing environment conducive for healing and balancing the body, mind and soul. In 2009, Sara released her Yoga DVD for Pregnancy "Prenatal Yoga Flow" which can be purchased online, at the studio, or at lululemon athletica at St. John's Town Center Mall. Sara has been practicing Vinyasa and Ashtanga Style Yoga for almost 10 years and co-directs the Yoga Life 250 Hr Ashtanga/Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Program.

Layla Negron

"Yoga brings calm and balance into my life. It's a humbling practice that teaches us to give our best effort but then let go of expectations and accept where we are in the moment. There is a wonderful peace that comes with that acceptance."

Layla's classes are intended to bring mindfulness into the practice while also offering challenge and inspiration. She would like to show her students that anything is possible if they truly apply and believe in themselves. Layla has been practicing Yoga since 2005. She was introduced to Power Yoga by taking classes with Bryan Kest in Santa Monica, CA. After developing a sincere love and passion for the practice she decided to become a certified Yoga instructor and joined the 250 hour Teacher Training program at Yoga Life Studio. During her training she studied in depth both Ashtanga and Power Yoga, as well as the history and philosophy of the Yoga practice. Layla has attended workshops and intensives with David Keil, Tim Feldman and Sati Chmelar in addition to studying and practicing regularly with Sara Torbett and Kristine Sandkühler-Mensch of Yoga Life Studio. She is dedicated to expanding her knowledge as she grows as both a student and teacher, and bringing that knowledge back to her students to help them grow in their own practice.

Ret Humphries, Assistant Manager

"For me, Yoga is an all-encompassing practice. As a teacher, I aspire to share the benefits of the physical practice as well as the equanimity Yoga offers for all areas of life."

Ret discovered Yoga in November 2009 and almost immediatly realized her desire to share the joy and serenity she's found on her mat with others through teaching. Therefore, shortly after taking her first class, she decided to become part of Yoga Life's Fall 2010 Teacher Training program. She very successfully finished this program in May 2011 and jumped right into teaching at Yoga Life Studio.

Ret continues to expand her knowledge by learning from fellow practitioners, students and teachers alike as the Yogic path unfolds before her. So far Ret has attended various workshops with esteemed teachers such as Doug Swenson, Greg Nardi, David Keil, Tim Feldmann and Sati Chmelar, as well as training closely with Sara Torbett and Kristine Sandkühler-Mensch of Yoga Life Studio. The combination of physical training and spiritual inquiry inspire her personal practice; though still at the beginning of her journey, Ret seeks to fulfill her passion for helping others as she learns from them, both on and off the mat.

Tricia Cox, E-RYT 200

"As a yoga teacher I strive to give my students a better connection with their body and mind. I hope to create an environment for self discovery and a place for understanding their own unique purpose in life."

Tricia is an E-RYT 200 Yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance. She has attended numerous Yoga conferences and has studied with Bryan Kest, Seane Corn, Baron Baptiste, Siva Rae and Doug Swenson as well as David Keil. She has been an instructor at Yoga Life Studio ever since we opened, teaching beginning, advanced and restorative classes.

Susan Cohn

"Yoga is a process, not perfection, and I hope to communicate this process with humor, light, and a welcoming environment."

Susan is a graduate of Yoga Life’s 250-hour Teacher Training program and has been fortunate enough to attend workshops and intensives with David Keil, Greg Nardi, Tim Feldmann, and Kino MacGregor. Susan began practicing Ashtanga Yoga in Atlanta in 2006 while attending graduate school. Having no background in movement or athletics, Yoga presented a physical, mental, and spiritual challenge. She received immediate physical benefits as her body began to “wake up.” Every day since has provided an opportunity for a more subtle and meaningful life experience.

James Alabiso, RYT 200

"The journey of Yoga has been a process of self-discovery that I am excited to pursue and continue for many years to come. As my strength and flexibility improved, the awareness of the present moment and the connection between the mind, body and breath also became apparent. As a teacher, I’m excited to witness Yoga help others in their own journey on the mat."

James has completed the 250-hour Teacher Training at Yoga Life Studio in 2011. He aims to create a powerful, meditative environment in his classes, where all people regardless of fitness level or background can enjoy the many benefits of Yoga. James has been working in the technology industry for over seven years and is also currently enrolled in college. Yoga has become a journey that has helped James to find a sense of balance and peace in his daily life. He has been practicing Yoga since 2009. As a dedicated student of the Ashtanga practice he has had the privilege of attending workshops from Tim Feldmann, David Keil, Greg Nardi, and Doug Swenson.